Golden chains [Part 3]
>Part 2<
Chapter 3
“He is a very powerful man.” His mother agreed. They were sitting on silk covered pillows overlooking the lovely gardens. The smell of exotic flowers pulling all types of butterflies to them; Caged birds singing to the sun. Kibum hummed, playing with the gold ring on his middle finger. “He is, a port city is always powerful.” The table between them was laid out with food and cups of milked tea. Still Jonghyun offered his master a sweet made from sesame seeds and honey on a silver platter. They were his favourite and the young lord took one without much thought.
“He has triple my age though.” Kibum complained and Jonghyun frowned. His mother waved her hand as if it was nothing. “He is unmarried, he doesn’t seem to like the idea of a husband too much. Of course it would mean that he would have to share his wealth.” The son rolled his eyes. “And if he doesn’t like it why would he ask me? He wouldn’t have love for me.” It made his mother chuckle as she reached his hand to pet his head. “My, oh my innocent boy. There are a million others that will give you love.”
Jonghyun was one of them. If only Kibum would let him. “He was a suitor for Onew.” Kibum commented. “Maybe he thinks that I would be like him. It would fill the disappointment he had that Onew didn’t take his hand.” The slave started to bit his tongue. What strange things that his master was saying. “It was nothing romantic, love. He wants to be married to a royal. Now you are the only one left unmarried. Unless he wants to marry an unborn child.” It was so difficult for Jonghyun to stay quiet.
“You say strange things, mother.” Kibum seemed to be uncomfortable and Jonghyun wanted nothing but to take his young master to safety. “But I have agreed to meet him. He said that he is already on the road bringing me gifts I have never imagined. I wonder why though, he never did this for Onew.” His lord said, pondering aloud. “Rumour of your beauty has travelled far, my dear.” His noble mother said, proudly.
Kibum blinked his slanted eyes. “Why would he react to that if he has no desire for my heart?” A person that didn’t come for Kibum’s love was a fool in Jonghyun’s eyes. He offered his lord another cup of tea. The last one would now be too cold to drink. “It is easier to love a pretty flower. He could make you very rich, Kibum.” His mother said sternly. Her son challenged her. “I have all the riches I want. What would I do with a husband that does not love me?”
His mother was getting a little bit upset. Her son had always been so difficult on these matters. First, he didn’t want a slave and now he didn’t want the richest lord in the kingdom. She didn’t know where she went wrong. She had appointed all the right scholars. “Kibum, it is your duty!” Jonghyun gave the silver platter to another servant. He had a feeling that Kibum didn’t want any more sweets.
His lord tisked rudely. “Duty? What is so honourable in marrying an old man that would never look at me?” Jonghyun had wondered the same thing. His mother looked insulted; this was not ending well. “You will meet him in the utmost respect, Kibum.” But Kibum rolled his eyes. Jonghyun leaned close to the master and whispered. “My lord, it is almost time for your journey to the temple.” And the whisper could not be more welcomed.
Jonghyun kneeled and held out his hand, his head bowed. Kibum took it and helped himself up. “I need to go. We shall speak of it later. The city is already in preparation for the welcome. If I would be as welcoming…” Kibum paused, his mother was glaring and that was never a good thing. “We will see.” He finished, turning and leaving her in the garden.
“Unbelievable.” Kibum muttered under his breath. Jonghyun was following him on the foot and wondered if it would be out of place to speak. They entered the master’s bedroom and Kibum sat himself in front of the mirror. With lips sealed Jonghyun rushed to the hall of clothes and pulled out a satin green garment rich in glass beads.
“My lord?” Jonghyun informed that he was ready. Kibum closed the ruby earing he would be wearing. He stud up and waited for Jonghyun. The slave hurried to him, undressing him tenderly until his undergarments. Kibum stepped into the fitted clothes and waited for Jonghyun to close the buttons on his chest.
“Jonghyun?” The slave’s hands stilled for a moment. “Yes, my lord?” His master cocked his head. “Have you ever felt love?” The blonde’s eyes flickered up to meet his. “I have, my lord. My mother held me very dearly. And she always spoke highly of my father. I dare say it is love.” Kibum smiled sweetly. “Then you don’t love me?”
The slave swallowed. “If you would let me. I believe love doesn’t live if you do not let it, my lord.” He was done with all the buttons on Kibum’s gown. “It becomes hard to breathe, you can not eat and water becomes sand in your mouth if you love someone that will not love you back. It is torture.” Kibum raised his eyebrows. How could a simple slave say such things? How could he understand love in such colours? Kibum had studied all his life, and he had craved to understand the feeling. Yet a slave had beaten him too it.
Jonghyun was not meeting his eyes but Kibum knew that he was not lying. Was he hurting? Kibum turned his head and Jonghyun’s hands left his chest. “Get my horse ready.” He ordered. He wanted to be alone, even if it was just for a second. “Yes, my lord.” Had he said too much? Jonghyun bowed, took his sand coloured cloak and exited his master’s chambers.
~~
She was beautiful, Jonghyun smiled as he combed his fingers through her silver mane. Dalbich was her name and she lived up to it. She was white as the snowy tops of the mountains Jonghyun remembered. She was a gentle creature. Often pressing her nose to any that gave her attention. If you held her heart that is.
“Hey, girl.” Jonghyun whispered as he let her sniff the brush he was about to use. “Master is not in a good mood so you have to be extra sweet today.” He gave her a quick brush and saddled her. Just when he got her all pretty and out of the stables, Kibum appeared. He had a dark face as if he was thinking too much and Jonghyun sighed. The conversation with his mother must be bothering him more than it should.
Jonghyun gently pulled the horse by the rains and bowed to his master. Kibum nodded at him and to the rains over. With ease, he stepped on and turned his mare. “We take the back gate to ovoid the masses.” He said, bringing his horse to a strut. Jonghyun smiled, he pulled his hood over his golden hair. He had never been to the city and it was a while since he got to stretch of the legs. He was ready for a little jog.
The city was buzzing. The rumour was proven to be true, and Kibum’s father had already ordered the clean up for the noble guest. Kibum strutted through the streets with two guards guiding them and Jonghyun. But instead of the common people waving and smiling, whispers were fallowing them. Jonghyun frowned. He still didn’t know how the noble family was view but the city seemed well taken care of.
His lord didn’t mind it. His thoughts were not on the road that he had taken so many times before. Too soon they had reached their destination. Jonghyun took hold of the mare and Kibum jumped down. “Stay here, it won’t be too long.” The slave bowed again as his master entered the temple gate. The guards taking place on either side.
Jonghyun wondered what was behind these beautiful gates, what was under the dome. What a god was. He didn’t quite understand it all but it was not expected of him. If his mother didn’t teach him then it was probably not important. He pulled the hood of his cloak up to protect him for the stifling sun as much as to stay low profile and took the rains in his hand. It was their right to treat themselves to some refreshments as they waited. The horse neighed.
The temple looked down on a square, a well the centre of attention. The horse followed him without much fight and Jonghyun took the bucket on the stone edge. Heaving water out of the well, he first took to a taste. Cupping water in his hand he took a long drink before holding up the bucket to the horse. “I tell you, nothing good would come from that man. Bread has been taxed triple. People are starving in the streets and now he wants a hand of our city?”
Jonghyun looked up. Two merchants were conversing. Were they talking about what he thought they were? This lord wishing for Kibum’s hand. Jonghyun leant closer. “I have heard that the city has turned into hell, children without fathers and everyone selling themselves. All sell swords, ship rats and prostitutes.” Was it really that bad?
Was this Lord really so selfish? Jonghyun bit his lip. The square was getting crowded. The horse and guards attracting looks. Jonghyun walked back, feeling saver at the gate of the temple. The holy place was better protected. The place in society offering some protection.
Too soon, Kibum appeared again. He looked exhausted and Jonghyun rushed to him. "I have the biggest headache." He complained and Jonghyun smiled in pity. "I will inform the healers once we are at the palace." They needed to get back.
But they couldn't. There were a number of people around them. Some curious but Jonghyun was worried about them men he saw earlier. They were not happy. Kibum put on a brave face and smiled. It was ill received.
"You are not thinking of marrying that man." Kibum looked shocked. It was so straight forward. One of the guard flared up. "This is your young Lord you are speaking to, show your respect!" Jonghyun stepped in front of his master.
"A Lord is nothing without his people!" There was a whisper of agreement. The guards drew their swords but Kibum held up his hand. "I hear you." He said calmly. "I don't like the idea too, I have asked the lord's gods for council." "Bugger the gods!" Kibum stepped back. The people would not be calmed.
"We will just have to host him for a couple of days and then he will be on his way again." Jonghyun was worried. He was so so worried. His arms were out stretched, shielding his master against the crowd that was steadily getting closer. "And when he is here he would just buy you over with pretty stones and gold necklaces like the whore you are!" Kibum's eyes widen. The guards roared and charged without order.
Kibum yelled, ordering them to stop, pushing Jonghyun aside. Distracted Jonghyun didn't see the stone flying through the sky. Kibum groaned and Jonghyun caught him from falling. His Lord needed to go, now. "I'm sorry." He should always ask permission to touch him but there was no time.
With ease Jonghyun lifted Kibum up and turned, Kibum got a handful of Dalbich’s mane and the horse neighed aggressively. But he was on, Jonghyun hit the horse's backside. She ran. Leaving Jonghyun in the middle of the angry mob. "Jonghyun!"
Kibum turned his head but the slave smiled. "Run!" He mouthed and Kibum followed his order.
~~~
Word had already risen when Kibum reached the palace gates. His noble mother had rushed to him with half a dozen guards. "My son, you are hurt!" He jumped off his mare but didn't bother with his mother. "Where is father? I need soldiers." But healers were at him now. He only then realised that he had been bleeding. But it must have been a small cut.
"Why? You are save." His mother asked, taking the cloth from a nurse and damping her son’s temple. "Jonghyun is not." His mother stopped. "Who is Jonghyun?" It wasn't her bother to learn the names of slaves. "My shadow." He answered. But he need not worry.
"Open the gate!" Kibum turned and sighed when he saw who entered. He ran closer but stopped when Jonghyun realised he was there. The slave fell on his knees and placed his palms up. What was he doing? "My master. I beg forgiveness." For what? Kibum didn't understand. Jonghyun's hair was sticking up, he had lost his cloak and there seemed to be a bruise forming on his shoulder. Kibum didn't have the chance to question.
"Take him." His mother's voice was icy. Kibum turned, his eyes wide. "To where?" Guards had already pulled Jonghyun up and Kibum was shown his damage. His lip was broken, an ugly bruise swelling his cheek. Jonghyun gave him a sad smile. "To where!?" Kibum asked again but the guards didn't answer.
"He has broken the law, he shall be punished." His mother answered simply. How. Jonghyun had given him the scapegoat he needed to get away. "He left your side in a time of need.” She said simply. But Kibum flared. No, Jonghyun had saved him, sacrificed his own health to protect him. “I will not allow it. Give him back!”
But his mother shook her head. “We are not above the law. It is his fate.” She ushered him inside. Healers following them on the foot. “Well, I don’t care about fate, you will not touch him.” But his mother didn’t let him. “You will do no such thing.”
“Kibum?” The young lord turned. “Father, Oh father. You need to help me. They took Jonghyun away from me. He wasn’t at fault. He is the one that save me. I need to get him.” But his lord father didn’t listen to him. He cupped his son’s face and touched with a gentle hand the wound on his temple. “He will not be forgiven for this. You could scar.” Kibum hit his hand away, unbelievable. Anger was flooding his eyes with tears. Why was nobody listening to him?
Didn’t they understand that they were the ones that caused this? They were pressing the suitors; they were the ones not listening to the people. “You don’t understand, do you?” A tear fell rolling and staining his cheek. “Kibum…” But he would have none of it. He sniffed loudly and ran. He would not get any comfort out of them, he never did.
~~~
Kibum didn't know when it had gotten dark. He had hidden himself in the blankets. It was the same as ever. He was a Lord, he would be a powerful man but he could not do anything to protect his subjects. It was like when he was younger, he had sneaked out to play with the son of the armourer. He was careless then. Wanting to show off his swordsmanship.
They had a play battle, the winner would get a double dessert. The boy was stronger than him. He beat him even if he didn't mean too. But he had hit Kibum, catching him on the forehead and tearing the skin in his eyebrow. He bled a lot; they were both scared. They had run back to the palace and come clean of their crime. It was stupid and Kibum should have known. He should have protected his friend. But nobody listened when he said is was as much his fault as the others. Kibum had asked him to come play fight and Kibum was the one not strong enough.
He didn't see the boy any more. Only to find years later that his penalty was amputation. "The hand that hurt our Lord son."
Guilt. Kibum was guilty. He had crippled a boy for selfish wishes. Only because he was a child that wanted to play. That had been his only punishment. But it had killed a little bit of him. Had they even realise what they had done. Kibum never played again. He never asked another boy or girl again. Kibum punished himself with loneliness. Yet for his parents it seemed to be a part of him growing up and he was praised. He used to spend hours in books just to forget a little.
Just like now, while he pressed his face into the pillows. He wasn't waiting for someone to open his door and consul him. He didn't want it now when it was all useless words. Still the door opened and Kibum stifled his sniffle.
There was nothing. Just footsteps. Here and there, rushing of cloth and a sigh. "My lord." Jonghyun! Kibum slowly rose. His limps heavy and his eyes red. His slave was back, his chest hidden, a simple tunic covering him. "Master." His voice was so soft, and Kibum hated it.
Why wasn't he angry with him. It was all his fault what ever they did. Kibum looked him over. "What did they do with you?" He whispered a bit scared of the answer. But Jonghyun shook his head. He didn't want to say. His master was already to upset. "I'm okay." He smoothed but Kibum didn't want to be protected of the truth. He was responsible for Jonghyun, he should know. "Tell me." He said a little louder. His body moving, getting closer to Jonghyun.
The slave stepped back, movement stiff and a bit clumsy. It insured Kibum of what he had feared. "It's an order." He said sternly and Jonghyun hung his head. He couldn't disobey anymore. Not when Kibum grabbed his arm in a sort of desperation.
"Twenty seven whiplashes on bare back." Jonghyun whispered and Kibum gasped. Jonghyun was bounded on the chest. Under his clothes but some bandages poked through. "And you are still standing?" Kibum whispered incredulous. Jonghyun gave him a small smile.
"I had to prepare my master's dinner." Kibum wanted to hit him. Why was he playing their game. Didn't he think it was unfair? He must be in excruciating pain yet he smiled. He was smiling at Kibum like it couldn't be helped. "You are a fool." Kibum whispered and turned. He didn't want to see him anymore. He and his big innocent eyes. He with his little understanding of this world, he that accepted all the unjustness.
"Master?" A confused voice asked but Kibum disappeared between the curtains. The night had fallen and was cool. Kibum let the soft breeze smooth his beating heart. Too many emotions mixing in his body. His balcony looked on to the gardens of the lady. But behind the palace walls there was nothing. He could not look down to the city life. He only found the dead silence of the golden desert.
"My lord.." Jonghyun was the fool that followed him. Well, he was his shadow after all. Kibum sniffled and leant over the lining of his balcony.
"Why did you take the punishment?" Kibum asked with all his calmness. There was a pause but when Jonghyun spoke he seemed so much nearer. "Because I gambled with your safety, my lord." Kibum turned and gasped. Jonghyun was too close. But he froze, the slave's hand rose and ghosted over the wound on his temple, never touching it.
"I shouldn't have let you run on your own. You are my life now." Kibum closed his eyes. The breath of those soft words calming him somewhat. "I'm my own responsibility, and you are my responsibility too. Kibum countered. Jonghyun smiled at him. A twinkle in his eyes Kibum didn't understand. "I am yours, my lord. And I will fight everything to protect you. You shall never be alone again."
Kibum's breath hitched.
>Part 4<